One of Rochester’s Oldest Kwik Trips Just Got a Modern Makeover

Headquartered in La Crosse, Kwik Trip now operates more than 900 stores across Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, and South Dakota. Recently recognized as the “Best Gas Station in America” by USA Today, the chain continues to grow with immediate plans for 11 new stores this year.

More than 200 of Kwik Trip's stores are in Minnesota, including 15 right here in Rochester, and one of the oldest in the Med City just received a massive facelift. I stopped by today, and the transformation is immediately noticeable.

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Wider Aisles and New Tech: Rochester Kwik Trip Reopens After Major Rebuild

The 41st Street store, located just off Highway 52 across from the Target North shopping center, reopened today after a 52-day remodeling project. Built in 1996 as the second Kwik Trip in Rochester, the location wasn't designed to handle the number of customers it sees today.

I don't frequent this Kwik Trip because it's not in my neighborhood, but I have stopped in from time to time for a coffee or a soda, and it felt very small. Before the renovation, the store often felt cramped, making it a challenge to navigate when more than a few shoppers were inside. Now there's room to breathe.

With this total rebuild, the 41st Street location finally has enough room to match its popularity. The store has grown by 40 feet. Now, adding 20 feet to each side of the building might not seem like a lot, but you'll notice it immediately. One customer joked that looking down the long, wide aisles felt like being in a bowling alley.

Everything inside is brand new, including a state-of-the-art coffee station with new machines, massive new coolers for "Take Home" meals, and updated equipment for the "Hot Spot" and beverage sections. Even the bathrooms are new.

While the chain is famous for fuel, many people stop in specifically for grocery staples like milk, bread, and eggs, or grab-and-go meals. With this expansion, there is finally enough room for everyone to grab their favorites.

Take a look at the top ten gas station chains in America, below. How many have you stopped at to refuel or grab a cup of coffee? I've been to 6 of the 10.